Valletta seek revenge over Paolites

Leaders Valletta will be hoping to extend their positive run on top the BOV Premier League table as they take on Hibernians in one of the two matches in programme on Monday at the National Stadium.

Hibernians were one of the only three teams to take any points from the Citizens, holding them in a 2-2 draw in the first round and therefore Valletta will be all out to claim the three points from this game and restore a seven-point gap on top.

Valletta are coming from two consecutive wins over Hamrun and Vittoriosa and are still unbeaten after ten matches.
For Hibernians, this match presents an occasion to start a new page after a most disappointing campaign so far. They have now gone nine matches without a win – nine matches in which they collected just five points in draws. Two of which in their last two outings against Sliema and Floriana.

Richard Hart is ruled out through suspension for the Paolites. Jonathan Caruana and Dyson Falzon should be back for Valletta after missing the last game against Vittoriosa.

Meanwhile in the first game, Floriana take on Birkirkara in a clash between two teams who are desperate for points after losing ground with the teams on top.

After defeating Sliema, Floriana earned two points in two draws in the last two matches against Valletta and Hibernians and are now fourth on 15 points. With a win over the Stripes, the Greens would move third.

Birkirkara, on the other hand, won just one of the last seven matches with five of the other matches ending in draws. They are currently joint-fifth on 14 points.

Coach Paul Zammit cannot field his best formation as Joseph Zerafa is ruled out through suspension.